High-resolution laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of $^{28}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$ and $^{29}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$ in a cryogenic buffer-gas cell

Abstract

The electronic, laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of the $B^2\Sigma^+\leftarrow X^2\Sigma^+$ transition in $^{28}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$ and $^{29}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$ has been recorded in a cryogenic buffer gas cell at $\approx$ 100 K. Molecular constants are extracted for both $^{28}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$ and $^{29}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$, including the Fermi contact hyperfine constant for both the $B$ and $X$ states of $^{29}$Si$^{16}$O$^+$, and used in a discussion of the suitability of SiO$^+$ in future quantum information experiments.